I had the true honor of sitting down again with Lyseria Kursave, a courageous advocate and leader in the union and LGBTQ community. Lyseria shared her journey as a trans woman navigating the intersections of identity, mental health, and workplace inclusion. Her story was a testament to what it truly means to live authentically, even amid tremendous fear and uncertainty. She illuminated the complex decisions so many in the trans community face daily, whether to sacrifice authenticity for the sake of survival, or to step into the unknown and hope for acceptance and understanding. Her candor about the moments of despair she faced, including a harrowing brush with suicide, deeply moved me, and reminded us all just how much representation and solidarity truly matter.
We discussed the weighty realities that transgender people encounter, not only in their youth but at every stage of life. Lyseria spoke candidly about the challenges of gaining access to gender-affirming care, the nuanced forms of dysphoria, and the distress that comes from bureaucratic and systemic obstacles. She also shared the very real threat of violence and the constant vigilance required just to move safely through the world. Yet, what stood out just as much was the healing power of community and peer support. Whether through a supportive gaming community, union solidarity, or simple acts of everyday allyship, Lyseria made it clear that hope is built when we connect, stand up for one another, and refuse to let anyone feel alone or invisible.
This episode reinforced for me that solidarity across our differences is not just an ideal, it's a lifeline. If there’s one message I hope listeners take away, it’s that showing up matters and it’s not enough to be quietly supportive; we must be actively present, both for friends and for strangers. For those who are struggling, know that there are others out there who see you, who care, and who are ready to fight alongside you for dignity and hope. And for allies, our job is to lean in, listen with humility, and use our voices and presence to make the world safer and more welcoming, so that every person, like Lyseria, can claim their right to live fully and openly.
Bio
Lyseria is a Journeyworker Union Electrician with 13 years experience in the IBEW, who transitioned on the jobsite. She is the elected President of the South Bay Chapter of Pride at Work, where she passionately advocates for the power of unions and the magic of the LGBTQ community's place in them. She is enthusiastic about speaking to the positives of the queer experience, hope for the community, and isn't afraid to mix dark humor with difficult topics to educate.
Takeaways
Authenticity Saves Lives: Lyseria’s journey powerfully highlights the life-saving importance of being able to show up authentically at work. Finding even just one example of representation can mean the difference between hope and isolation.
Solidarity Isn’t Optional—It’s Life-Changing: Genuine allyship goes beyond passive acceptance. We all need to stand up and advocate, not only for our friends, but for strangers as well. Showing up—at city meetings, at work, or even just in small, daily acts—creates real change.
Community Matters—Find Yours and Protect It: Whether it’s through union solidarity, supportive online communities, or affirming organizations like Free Mom Hugs, connection is fundamental to mental health. For those struggling: you are absolutely not alone, and there is hope.
Show Notes
*Please note: this episode was recorded prior to the current administration.
Lyseria can be reached at: LyseriaKursave@gmail.com, linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyseria-kursave/
Some of the items i mentioned were https://freemomhugs.org/ and Pride at Work https://www.prideatwork.org/